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12-05-2005 HRA MINMEETING OF THE ELK RIVER HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2005 Members Present: Chair Wilson, Commissioners Kuester, Lieser, and Motin Members Absent: Commissioner Toth Staff Present: Community Development Director Scott Clark, Director of Economic Development Catherine Mehelich, Assistant Director of Economic Development Heidi Steinmetz, and Recording Secretary Jessica Miller 1. Call MeefLng To Order Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River Housing and Redevelopment Authority was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by Chair Wilson. 2. Consider December 5, 2005 HRA Agenda MOVED BY COMMISSIONER LIESER AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MOTIN TO APPROVE THE DECEMBER 5, 2005 HRA AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. �. 3. Consider Consent Agenda MOVED BY COMMISSIONER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KUESTER TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS FOLLOWS: 3.1. NOVEMBER 7, 2005 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 3.2. CHECK REGISTER MOTION CARRIED 4-0. 4. Open Vance Zehringer, Habitat for Humanity — presented information on how Habitat for Humanity works and on the recent home that has been built by Habitat in Elk River. Mr. Zehringer explained that Habitat for Humanity International is conducting a Home Builders Blitz program in June 2006 and they are hoping to build 1000 houses nationwide in five days. He stated that Sherburne County has been selected as one of the home sites and that the local Habitat for Humanity chapter would like the house to be built in Elk River. Mr. Zehringer stated that a national builder will build the house for free and all that the local Habitat for Humanity needs to do is find a buildable lot and construct the basement. Mr. Zehringer asked the HRA to use any resources available to them to help Habitat find a lot in Elk River. He stated Habitat would like to have a lot donated to them but they would be willing to pay a minimal fee for a lot. He noted that if a lot cannot be found in Elk River the house may have to be built elsewhere in Sherburne County. Housing & Redevelopment Authority December 5, 2005 Page 2 Chair Wilson asked Mr. Zehringer to explain how the mortgages on the Habitat for Humanity homes work. Mr. Zehringer indicated that the houses are sold to low income families for $104,000. The mortgage is through Habitat and normally requires no money down and no interest. He stated that the family must meet certain requirements and they must be employed. Jim Boyle, Habitat for Humanity — distributed a handout explaining the Habitat for Humanity Home Builders Blitz 2006 program. Mr. Boyle stated that if anyone has an idea for a lot they should contact either him or Mr. Zehringer. 5. Downtown Revitalization Protect Update Director of Economic Development Catherine Mehelich stated that closing on the Bluff and Jackson projects did not take place in November as planned. Ms. Mehelich stated that there are a few issues that need to be resolved prior to the closing, mainly having to do with language in the Development Agreement that will affect the marketability of selling the TIF revenue note. She indicated that staff and the developer are working hard to have the closing on the Bluff Block take place this year and are still waiting to hear from the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency on a closing date for the Jackson project. Ms. Mehelich explained that staff felt rather than waiting for the Jackson closing to take place, it would be better to relocate the flag pole now before the ground freezes. She stated that staff has been in contact with the company that will relocate the flag pole and it may be moved within the next two weeks. Ms. Mehelich noted that the flag was damaged and has been taken down but will be replaced upon relocation of the flag pole. She stated that downtown business owners will be notified prior to the flag pole's relocation since it will affect some parking spaces the day of the move. Ms. Mehelich reported that the City Council recently chose to remove the sign that prohibited left turns from Parrish Avenue onto Main Street based on a recommendation from the Chief of Police. 6. Form Based Zoning Education Update Assistant Director of Economic Development Heidi Steinmetz stated that last month the HRA indicated an interest in learning about form based zoning. Ms. Steinmetz indicated that staff anticipates the training will take place during the January 24, 2006 Planning Commission worksession pending Chair Anderson's approval. She stated that staff will provide additional details at the January 3, 2006 HRA meeting. 8. Other Business There was no other business. Adi ournment There being no further business, Chair Wilson adjourned the meeting. The meeting of the Elk River Housing and Redevelopment Authority adjourned at 5:27 p.m. Housing & Redevelopment Authority December 5, 2005 4a�)q;& Jessica Miller Recording Secretary Page 3